Schools, Mills, Churches, Places of Amusement Closed, Sept. 30, 1918

“Prompt Action to Prevent Spread of Influenza,” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Sept 30, 1918

Town Authorities Close Schools, Churches and Places of Amusement, Prohibit Serving of Drinks at Fountains and Quarantine Against places Where Disease is Prevalent—90 Cases in Lumberton—Cotton Mills Shut Down

Schools, churches and places of amusement were ordered closed indefinitely, serving of drinks at public fountains was forbidden, and Lumberton was quarantined against Charlotte, Wilmington, Fayetteville and all points in Bladen and Cumberland counties by Mayor Proctor and the town board at a meeting held Saturday morning to consider the serious spread of Spanish influenza here. The action was taken upon the advice of Dr. W.A. McPhaul, county health officer, who met with the town authorities.

A week ago today there were only six cases of this dread disease in Lumberton, whereas up to today 90 cases have been reported in Lumberton and vicinity and 117 cases in the county.

The order was put into effect at once. The moving picture show was closed immediately after the order was passed. No services of any kind were held in town yesterday. Saturday morning Evangelist B.F. McLendon’s big tent was erected in front of the town hall, but of course this action postponed the meeting, which was to begin yesterday, indefinitely, and Mr. McLendon was notified of the situation Some of his advance workers who came before the order was passed left town Saturday.

The four cotton mills in Lumberton were closed down this morning indefinitely on account of the epidemic.

This morning the county health officer wired the manager of the Sparks shows, billed to exhibit here Saturday of this week, that the show would not be allowed on that date.

In the week ending Saturday the disease had made its appearance in every State and all but a few camps causing many deaths.

Robeson Soldier Victim of Spanish Influenza. . . Remains of Mr. Coy Britt Sent to Home at Barnesville from Army Camp

Mr. Coy Britt, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.Q. Britt of the Barnesville section, died at an army camp Tuesday of last week of Spanish influenza. The remains were sent home and arrived at Barnesville Saturday morning.

Deceased was about 23 years old and had been in the army several years.

Superior Court

Superior court for the trial of civil cases opened this morning and it is expected it will close today. The jury was dismissed by Judge C.C. Lyon of Elizabethtown, who is presiding, at noon today.

Calls Canceled for Entrainment of Registrants October 7 to 11

Because of the epidemic of Spanish influenza in army camps, Provost Marshal General Crowder tonight canceled calls for the entrainment between October 7 and 11 of 142,000 draft registrants.

2 Young Men Die Near Clarkton of Spanish Influenza

Lon Owen and McElwain Wooten, young men living four miles from Clarkton, died Friday of Spanish influenza. Mr. Wooten recently visited Wilmington and contracted the disease, and Mr. Owen called on him and contracted it.

Tallasee Power Company Prints War Honor Roll for Employees in Badin, Albemarle, N.C., 1918

The Badin Bulletin was published once a month for the employees of the Tallassee Power Company in Badin, Albemarle, N.C. You can see the entire newsletter online at:  http://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/2014236802/1918-09-01/ed-1/seq-5/print/image_577x817_from_0,0_to_2441,3452/

Flu in Newton, Conover, Hickory; Quarantines Against Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, Sept. 30, 1918

“15 Cases Are Reported at Newton,” from the Hickory Daily Record, Sept. 30, 1918

 Dr. Geo. W. Shipp, county health officer, telephoned the Record this afternoon that there were 15 cases of Spanish influenza in Newton, four in Conover and 15 in Hickory and that Newton had quarantined against Charlotte, Raleigh and Wilmington.

Unless the people in these places obey the quarantine regulations and cooperate, it will be necessary to close the schools and other public places, he said.

Corporal A.M. Page of Aberdeen Died of Wounds, 1918

“Today’s Casualty List,” from the Hickory Daily Record, Sept. 30, 1918

Washington, Sept. 30—The two army casualty lists today show:

Killed in action, 74

Missing in action, 37

Wounded severely, 579

Died of wounds, 43

Died of disease, 17

Died from accident and other causes, 8

Prisoner, 1

Wounded, degree undetermined, 2

Total, 765

NORTH CAROLINIANS

The following North Carolinians are included:

Wounded Severely

Private George E. Craig of Lenoir

Private Edgar Beam of Ellenboro

Private Perry V. Reitzel of Norton

Private Leslie Walston of Stantonsburg

Private Junius C. Ashworth of Durham

Private Larkin Greer of Apple Grove

Missing In Action

Ellis Tyner of Buies

Marine Corps

Died of Wounds

Corporal Allison M. Page of Aberdeen

Spanish Flu Comes to Hickory; Quarantine Established, Sept. 30, 1918

“Spanish Influenza Reported in Hickory,” from the Hickory Daily Record, Sept. 30, 1918

Fifteen cases of Spanish influenza, some of them bad ones, were reported in Hickory up to noon today and Chief Lentz has been busy placing placards quarantining the cases. City Manager Ballew today wired Dr. W.S. Rankin, secretary of the state board of health, and asked for instructions.

In the meantime the physicians are treating the cases here and it is not believed that they will prove serious.

Mayor Yount today inaugurated a quarantine against several places where the disease is known to exist, and his notice follows:

Notice of Quarantine

On account of the prevalence of Spanish Influenza at some of the camps and public works and in order to aid the authorities to suppress it, notice is hereby given that the City of Hickory has established a quarantine against the camps and public works located at and near Goldsboro, Wilmington, Raleigh, Norfolk, and person who have been at these places and other places where the disease is prevalent will ot be permitted to stop over in Hickory until the quarantine is raised, and persons who are now victims of it or who have been exposed to the disease and have returned home will be required to remain on their premises until released by the physician in charge of the city or county physician.

   This Sept. 30, 1918

   M.H. Yount, Mayor

-

Eric Glenn of Littleton, N.C., Taken in France, 1918

Eric F. Glenn of Littleton, N.C., had this photo take in France and made into a postcard. Glenn was in the Medical Department attached to the 322nd Infantry, 81st Division, U.S. Army, in World War I. This photo is part of  the Military Collection, State Archives of North Carolina, collection of photos and information on soldiers serving in World War I from Warren County. For more information on this collection, go to https://files.nc.gov/ncdcr/blog/files/MIL%20COLL_WWI%2092%20Warren%20County%20Comp.%20Ind.%20Military%20Service%20Records_Finding%20Aid.pdf

News From Hickory Soldiers, 1918

Military news from The Hickory Daily Record, Sept. 28, 1918

Glenn Lippard Goes Over the Top Twice

Private Glenn Lippard with the infantry in France has written to his mother, Mrs. Martha Lippard, of Hickory under date of September 6 that he has been over the top twice and come through both times without a scratch. When a shell bursts close, Mr. Lippard says, they call it the “whizbang blues,” and when it goes over their heads they say it is singing “Home, Sweet Home.”

As the young man was writing his letter some British soldiers, with whom his regiment evidently is brigaded, were singing in a wine saloon close by and the music sounded sweet to him. He has not tasted any wine in France and has got along well with everybody.

He asks his friends to remember him. He was well and very much alive when he wrote.

Belated Letter from Joe Reinhardt Arrives

Mr. Joe Reinhardt, veteran of the Mexican border and veteran of the great war, has written Mr. P.A. Setzer, teacher of the young men’s Baraca class of the First Methodist Sunday school, from the front. The letter was dated July 22 and reached Hickory only yesterday.

Mr. Reinhardt is with the first battalion supply section of the 105^th engineers and was having it very easy. There are nine members of the section, including a commissioned officer, and they draw the rations from the regimental dump. Mr. Reinhardt says they have had some thrilling adventrues, but he could not name them. He mentions air fights, though these are so far up and away that one cannot tell very much about them. The roar of the big guns is heard and occasionally a shell shrieks through the air.

The “Sammies,”he said are surely making a good show and their slogan is “Berlin, Heaven, Hell or Hoboken, January 1, 1919.” The writer is hoping that it will be Berlin and Hoboken both by that time.

The young man noted in the Record that a number of members from his class in the army was larger than the number at home, and he wonders if this fine record can be beaten by any other class. He speaks of the good roads, the high price of fruit—and thinks of the grapes in Hickory for the picking—and sends regards to everybody. He signs himself one of the member “somewhere.”

Letter from Sergeant Macy S. Hight

Mrs. E.E. Hight received several letters from her son, Sergeant Macy S. Hight, medical department, the last being dated September 13. He was well and all right when he wrote, but had not received a single piece of mail from home, though letters had reached him from Detroit.

Miss Dorothy Ervin To Report for Training

Miss Dorothy Ervin has received instructions from the war department to report to Camp Hancock, Ga., where she will go into training for nursing. Miss Ervin will leave next Tuesday. She will be greatly missed by those who worship at the Methodist church where she is soloist. Miss Ervin is a graduate of Catawba College and no young woman in Newton is more popular than she.

Mr. Crowell Sherrill Home Sick from Army Training

Mr. Crowell Sherrill returned Thursday night from Wake Forest, where he went Tuesday to resume his studies and to enter the students army training corps. He became ill shortly after arriving at Wake Forest and it was thought best for him to return. While his condition is serious it is hoped that he soon will be well again.

200 Cases Flu at Raleigh College, 1918

“200 Cases in A. & E. College,” from The Hickory Daily Record, Sept. 28, 1918

By the Associated Press

Raleigh, Sept. 28—Two hundred cases of Spanish influenza have developed among the students of A. and E. College, according to a statement by Capt. Waller of the United States public health service. No deaths have occurred and the sick are not serious, it is said.

51,217 Soldiers in Camps in U.S. Reported Ill With Influenza, 1918

“Influenza Epidemic Shows Great Increase,” from the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Richmond, Va., Sept. 29, 1918

More Than 2,000 Cases Added to Surgeon-General’s List From Army Camps. .  51,217 Soldiers Reported Ill

Washington, September 28—The Spanish influenza epidemic raging in the army camps in the United States to-day made the greatest gain of any day since the disease first appeared in the camps. An increase of more than 2,000 new cases during the past 24 hours is shown by telegraphic reports received by the surgeon-general up to noon to-day. The total reported to-day was 8,830, as compared with 717 for the previous period.

The total number of influenza cases to date in the army camps is given officially as 51,217.

A decided decrease is shown in the number of new cases of pneumonia. For the past 24 hours, 548 new pneumonia cases were reported, as compared with 717 for the previous day.

This decrease for the day, however, does not indicate, say the medical officers, that fewer cases of pneumonia will be reported. It is more than probable that as the number of cases of influenza increase, there will be a relative increase in the number pneumonia cases.

Seventeen camps reported more than 50 new cases of influenza, while seven reported less than 50 new cases. The number of new cases at Camps Dix, Grant, Jackson, Lee and Meade reveal the situation as serious at those points.

The epidemic is believed to have spent its force at Camp Devens, as the number of new cases if falling daily. To-day 153 new cases developed, bringing the total up to 12,379. The new cases of pneumonia at Devens was 79, bringing the total for this disease to 1,707.

[Paragraph on Camp Pike in Arkansas unreadable]

Deaths reported from the camps also show an increase. To-day’s total was 247, as compared with 170 for the previous 24 hour period. The greatest number of deaths occurred at Camp Devens, which reported 90, as compared with 81 for the preceding day.

Since September 13, the date of the beginning of the epidemic of influenza at this camp, 476 deaths have been reported from Camp Devens, practically all of them resulting from pneumonia following influenza.

Congress To Give Million Dollars to Fight Influenza, 1918

“U.S. Gives Million to Fight Influenza,” from The Sun, N.Y. City, Sept. 29, 1918. While I usually use North Carolina newspapers as my source, I wanted to give a picture of the Spanish flu on the nation on Sept. 29. In the midst of the war, a million dollars was a lot of money.

Speaker Clark and Democratic Floor Leader Kitchin Victims of Disease… Senate Interrupts Discussion on Suffrage to Pass the Resolution

Washington, Sept. 28—Congress appropriated $1,000,000 to-day to be used in fighting the spread of Spanish influenza. Champ Clark, Speaker of the House, and Claude Kitchin, Democratic floor leader, are suffering from the disease.

Representative Gillett (Mass.) introduced a resolution providing for the appropriation.

Not even the serious nature of the business before the House could keep a partisan fling out of the debate. Representative Garrett (Tenn.) declared in effect that no objection of passage of the appropriation would be made by Democrats, but that he hoped never again would the cry be raised that the strong Republican State of Massachusetts was being discriminated against.

“Unfortunately,” said Representative Cannon (Ill.), “disease knows no State or sectional boundaries.”

“I might point out to the gentleman from Tennessee that the Speaker of the House and the floor leader of the gentleman’s own party are suffering from this disease,” Mr. Gillett added.

As soon as the House acted Senator Swanson (Va.) interrupted the suffrage debate to urge the immediate adoption of the appropriating resolution. Senator Penrose (Pa.) said he would make no fight against it in view of the extraordinary circumstances but that he was opposed to the principle of russing appropriations without having them go through the proper channels.

“Sooner or later we are going to find it easier to save a million dollars than it is to raise it.”

The resolution passed unanimously in both houses.

Vaccinations with a recently discovered serum, which from tests just completed at several army camps has been found to be an almost positive preventive of pneumonia, will be used to combat the epidemic.

The serum has been used to a limited extent in several camps but no announcement had been made of its discovery pending the results of widespread tests. Physicians connected with the army medical school developed the formula for the serum, which it was stated to-night is now being manufactured in quantities sufficient to provide for the treatment of 50,000 persons daily. One treatment with the vaccine only is needed.

During the 24 hours ending at noon to-day, 8,830 new cases of the disease were reported, as compared with 6,824 for the day before. The total number of cases in all camps was reported at 51,217. A large increase also is shown in the number of deaths resulting from pneumonia—247 having been reported, against 170 for the previous day.

A decided decrease, however, was shown in the number of new cases of pneumonia, 548 being reported to-day as compared with 717 the day before.

Spanish Flu Epidemic Hitting Northeast, 1918

“105 More Die From Grip in 46 Cities,” from The Sun, New York City, Sept. 29, 1918

3,132 New Cases in Massachusetts. . .  Boston Gets Help

Boston continues to suffer from the Spanish influenza epidemic with no abatement, but conditions in nthe nearby military camps are improving. Canada, the Red Cross, and nearby States, including New York, have rushed aid to Boston and to other localities in Massachusetts. There were 105 deaths resulting from the disease and 3,132 new cases reported from 46 cities, excluding those of Boston, up to noon yesterday, the end of the 24-hour period.

Reports from Camp Dix last night showed that 69 soldiers died there from influenza and pneumonia yesterday, increasing the total to 325 deaths. There are 5,950 cases now in camp and 899 new cases were reported yesterday. Only a small percentage of the new cases appear to be serious, which is a hopeful indication to the medical authorities that the diseases are subsiding.

Camden, N.J., apparently is in a most alarming condition. One physician said, “More than 300 cases of Spanish influenza have developed in Camden in the past 24 hours. Entire families of eight, 10 and 12 persons are confined to bed. Twenty deaths were reported to-day.

Dr, Walter Bray of Camden said if physicians would make frank reports Camden would be seen to have the greatest number of cases in the country. Every physician, he asserted, has more cases than he can attend. One physician, a health commissioner, said he had 66 cases in is private practice.

J.L. Leavitt, health officer of Camden, said influenza is not a reportable disease in his city, but that he does know it is spreading.

Five hundred ship workers are said to have stopped work at Camden and gone home for treatment. State Senator Joshua C. Haines is seriously ill there.

A hospital train with 40 beds, six doctors and 10 trained nurses left Washington yesterday for Quincy, Mass., according to telegraphic advice from Surgeon-General Blue’s office. Sixty-five volunteers already have been listed and they will be sent to Massachusetts as soon as practicable Others will follow, the wire added.

Meagre reports throughout Massachusetts show that conditions are improving and that the epidemic is gradually subsiding except in a few cities like Boston and Quincy, where the disease got a strong foothold and rapidly grew beyond control.

Brown University Is Closed

Sixty-five out-of-town students at Brown University in Providence, R.I., were sent home yesterday because of the spread of influenza in the university and in the city.

Newport, R.I., showed a material increase in the number of new cases, 250 in the last 24 hours. Soda fountains were closed and most of the churches will be closed to-day. The situation among army and navy men there shows continued improvement.

Forty-eight new cases were reported in Yonkers yesterday, 21 of them among soldiers.

Camp Upton reported 196 new influenza and 33 new pneumonia cases yesterday. Five deaths occurred.

New York city is holding her own. There were only 352 new cases reported for the 24-hour period ending at 10 o’clock yesterday morning. This was a gain of only 28 cases in a population of 7,000,000. There were 32 deaths from pneumonia and 15 from influenza-pneumonia.

Lt. Archibald Limer, Afton, Killed in Action, Sept. 28, 1918

Although we know now that Lt. Archibald Limer of Afton was killed on Sept. 28, 1918, his death wasn't on the Casualty List until later. The following is the Casualty List printed in the Rockingham Post-Dispatch on November 21, 1918, after hostilities ceased at 11 a.m., Nov. 11, which was first called Armistice Day and is now called Veterans Day.

Another source of information on North Carolinians killed and wounded on Sept. 29, including photos, is https://www.ncdcr.gov/blog/2018/09/26/casualties-september-29-1918

Spanish Flu in Raleigh, Wilmington, Army Camps, 1918

“Influenza Breaks Out in Raleigh,” from The Daily Times, Wilson, N.C., Sept. 28, 1918

The Spanish influenza has become epidemic in Raleigh to such an extent that St. Mary’s School has closed.

In Wilmington there have been a number of deaths and a large increase in the number of new cases.

The fact that the camps are quarantined against the reception of new men under the order of General Crowder and that everything is done in these camps to prevent the spread of the disease proves that our health authorities should adopt precautions to prevent those who have the disease from coming into the city, and to place a strict surveillance upon all who come from infected places.

Choppie Field Sick With Trench Fever, Not Spanish Flu, 1918

“Sick With Trench Fever,” from The Daily Times, Wilson, N.C., Sept. 28, 1918. Trench fever is caused by infection with Bartonella Quintana and the soldiers got it from lice. It’s not the same as trench foot.

The many friends of Choppie Field will regret to learn he is in a hospital in London with Trench fever. However he writes while he is very weak, he expects to leave the hospital soon and his new address will be 20^th Reserve Bat. Bamsholt, Surrey, England.

He has been in France 18 months straight and was in the first part of the last offensive. He write he is already on the lookout for some Wilson boy, as he would be so glad to return some of the hospitality Wilson has given him.

Joe Elliott Sherrill, U.S. Navy, Seriously Ill Spanish Flu; Other Military News, 1918

“Military News” from the Hickory Daily Record, Sept. 27, 1918

Private Sherrill Writes

Mr. B.P. Sherrill yesterday received a letter from his son, Private Truman Sherrill of B.E. 318, F.A., A.E.F., under date of August 30, in which he said that he was well and happy liked France fine. He says it is a fine country and the weather was very cool there.

Has Been at Front

Mr. and Mrs. H.T. Jones of Conover, Route 1, have received a letter from their son, Mr. Roy Jones, Co. D, United States engineers. The young man was well and doing fine when he wrote on August 21and had just returned from the front line trenches. He urged his parents not to worry about him, as he was as safe as soldiers possibly could be. He has received 10 letters from his parents so far and is always glad to hear from home.

Mr. Bumgarner Has Been Ill in France

Mr. and Mrs. R.M. Bumgarner have received several letters from their son, Private E.L. Bumgarner of Co. A, 323^rd infantry in France. The last letter was dated August 31. He had been very sick, but was better when he wrote. He said that he occasionally got to talk to French soldiers from the front and that they seemed to think the war would be over before Christmas. He also said that he was anxious to get some mail as he had not received any since he arrived in France.

Joe Elliott Sherrill Ill in Philadelphia

Mr. J.D. Elliott left last evening for Philadelphia in response to a message from his daughter, Mrs. C.M. Sherrill, informing him that the condition of her son, Joe Elliott Sherrill, United States Navy, was serious. The young man is in the navy hospital at Philadelphia suffering from Spanish influenza. First news of his illness was received by his mother Wednesday and she left Wednesday evening to be with him. It is hoped that his condition will improve steadily and that he will soon be well again.

20 To Leave for Sevier on October 10

Official notice has been mailed to the following men to report at 3 o’clock October 9 to the local board for military service. They will be sent to Camp Sevier, S.C.

Perry Caldwell, Lincolnton

David P. Smith, Denver

Clarence Proctor, Reepsville, Rt. 1

Craig Correll, Reepsville, Rt. 1

John S. Angel, Newton, Rt. 1

John S. Angel, Newton, Rt. 3

Craig Killian, Newton

Fred L. Witherspoon, Claremont

Aubrey Conrad, Newton

Geo. R. Pope, Claremont, Rt. 2

Roby Lester Fray, Renolda

James C. Holler, Claremont

Wm. Carl Brotherton, Denver

Fred Floyd Rhoney, Hickory, Rt. 5

John Bryan Smyre, Hickory, Rt. 5

Robt. Lee Jones, Conover, Rt. 1

Murphy Bruce Whitener, Hickory

Ervin Miller Lutz, Henry, Rt. 2

Cecil John Drennan, Hickory

Heath Gabriel, Terrell

Edgar R. Kennedy, Cawba

Herbert O. Wheeler, Hickory, Rt. 5

Geo. Everette Long, Newton, Rt. 2

John A. Yont, Conover, Rt. 3

William McLawings, Maiden

Building Permits Severely Restricted Until We Win the War, 1918

“Building Permits,” from the Daily Times, Hickory N.C., Sept. 27, 1918

W.F. Woodard, Chairman, Counsel of Defense

Dear Sir:

Herewith I am sending you Circular No. 21, relating to non-war construction. The effect of these regulations, promulgated by the War Industries Board, will be to prevent all construction work which is not absolutely essential. The North Carolina Council of Defense, upon request of the Government, is undertaking the enforcement of those regulations.

You are expected to see to it that no construction work is done in your county except by permit obtained upon application made under oath by the person interested in such construction. This application must be presented to you for your approval or disapproval. If you approve it, you will forward it to me with your reasons for approval endorsed thereon. If it is approved by the State Council of Defense, it will be forwarded to the War Industries Board at Washington for final consideration. If approved by this Board, a permit will be issued.

Please read the enclosed circular carefully and give notice to all supply men, as well as prospective builders, of these regulations and the formalities necessary for securing permits before work is begun. Give notice to corporations, firms, and individuals selling lumber, brick, cement, hardware, and all other building materials, to see to it that none of these supplies are sold except in compliance with these regulations. Manufacturers of building materials have pledged themselves not to supply materials for projects which are not authorized under the regulations of the War Industries Board.

These regulations are necessarily drastic and are intended to cut building operations to the quick. You are in touch with local building needs in your county and we must depend upon your good judgment to carry these regulations into effect. Make it your rule to disapprove every application unless you are convinced that the contemplated construction is necessary. Everything not absolutely essential must be sidetracked until we Win the War

Very truly yours,

Secretary, North Carolina Council of Defense.

Lt. Wood Writes From 'Somewhere in France," 1918

“From Lieut. Wood,” Jackson County Journal, Sylva, N.C., Sept. 27, 1918

318 M.G. Bn

U.S.A. P.O. No. 791

Dear Editor:

Have you just a little space in your paper which you have no material to fill? If so, just insert these few lines to avoid a space. You can’t guess how much I’d give tonight to see a copy of the Journal. Not a single advertisement would escape me. Occasionally I see a copy of the New York Herald published in Paris. But our dependence is largely upon French papers. Through that avenue, I am able to understand that the war has not yet ended. The boys, whose letters I spend a good portion of my spare time censoring, seem to have got the news somewhere that the war will soon be over. I should be pleased if they have the right “dope,” but I do not have enough faith in their information to put out a hint for someone to invite me to a Christmas dinner, or a Fourth of July dinner. In “La Petit Parisien” of today I notice that it is estimated that on September the 12^th 13 million more men in the U.S. will register for service in the great cause. No one uses the expression “If we win the war.” One hears only “When we Win” or “After we have won.” It is not a question of winning, but one of winning as early as possible.

I should be very glad to give you a full account of everything that has happened to us since we left Augusta, but that must be reserved until after the war. We’ll have many things to tell then, provided you don’t ask us to take an oath on the veracity of our statements.

About all I can tell you now is that we had a safe journey across the Atlantic, traveled through England by rail, crossed the channel somewhere, and are now billeted in that well-known place, “Somewhere in France.” That is rather indefinite, but you’ll have to let your imagination supply the missing links.

Our battalion is billeted in a very old French village in the heart of a farming section. Unlike our farmers, over here they all live in a village located centrally for all. The harvesting season was on when we came here. The chief crops here are wheat, oats and hay. The wagons on which the farm products are brought to the barns have only two wheels and are drawn by one horse usually. One never sees two horses abreast as in the U.S. In case there are two or three horses, they are in single file. Our country is new, to be sure, but we are far ahead of anything I have observed over here in the farming line. But, on the other hand, we could learn many lessons in conservation from our Allies. Here nothing is wasted, even the small limbs of trees are bound together and used for wood. I have seen women gleaning in the wheat fields after the harvesters had finished. Everybody works over here too. The pretty girls one sees at church on Sundays are observed in the fields on week days, wearing heavy shoes and serviceable dresses. There is a win-the-war spirit prevalent in every home. No more big-hearted, hospitable people can be found anywhere than here in this little village. So far as hospitality goes, it seems I am in Western N.C. It is somewhat more difficult to make your wishes known, but we have several good interpreters; so we get on very well. We are all trying to learn French, but it is pretty slow work. Sunday evening, after I had passed a compliment upon the little daughter of the Madame where I was visiting, the mother said to me “Vous parley francais tres bien.” If you don’t understand this, get an interpreter. That’s what we have to do in such cases. Thanks to Prof. Dean and my French teachers at U.N.C., I am able to understand some simple phrases and to make myself understood—sometimes.

I must stop now and study for awhile. If you see any of my friends who do not read the Journal, give them my best wishes and tell them I am in good health and safe for the present. A letter from anyone would be greatly appreciated. It has been more than a month since I have had a letter.

With best wishes to all in Jackson,

John O. Wood

1^st. Lt. Inf. U.S.A.

Major James Bethea to His Brother, Rev. Morrison Bethea, 1918

From the Daily Times, Hickory N.C., Sept. 27, 1918

From Maj. James A. Bethea of the U.S. Regular Army, brother of Rev. Morrison Bethea. Major Bethea has charge of a number of hospitals in France.

4^th Sanitary Train A.E.F.

American P.O. 746

August 31, 1918

…..

I took a long walk this morning through a big hunting preserve which was kept up by a rich man before the war. It was a beautiful place and Maj. Hoy who was with me was a prince of companions for such a jaunt. He commands one of my hospitals. One thing that amused me was we saw what looked to be a modern bungalow so went to look it over, and found that it was a bee-hive about the size of a two-roomed house.

Well, I have been here over three months now, when six months are up I will be entitled to a service stripe. I do not wish for the war to last for that, but hope that I will get that before I am ordered home.

My hospitals are all working together like a happy family now and I should be very contented and am contented and happy and proud, too, as we have received considerable praise from where it counts.

The last of August and the first of September is the time when all the children gather at the old home every year. The grapes are ripe, the fish bite fine, squirrel shooting is good, swimming is fine, the frying size chickens are ripe—But why dream when so far away?

I have been kicking of late about not getting any mail, but think how lucky we are to get any at all. The ancient warriors fought for years without hearing from home or being heard from. I suppose that you are getting my letters regular as I see no reason for home-going mail to be delayed. Of course, the enormous amount of incoming mail to be handled over French roads, etc., is quite a problem and under all the circumstances they do very well.

Everything is the same old seventy-six.

With much love,

James

Help, We Need Nurses, Sept. 27, 1918

“Nurses Wanted,” from the Daily Times, Hickory, N.C., Sept. 27, 1918

The following telegram has been received in this city asking for nurses for the Spanish influenza:

Miss Della Blythe, American Red Cross, Wilson, N.C.

How many nurses from city or county can be reported available for epidemic service Spanish Influenza? Get number Home Defense enrolled and numbers not enrolled but willing service for Epidemic only. Report by wire numbers, exhaust all resources, then get names and addresses and send by mail special delivery, urgent.

Jane Vandeverd

Ledwell, Doty, Driver, Allred, Mitchell Deaths on Sept., 27 Casualty List

“Casualty List Gives 604 Names,” from The Commonwealth, Scotland Neck, N.C., Sept. 27, 1918

Washington, Sept. 27—North Carolina contributes 10 names of the list of 604 casualties released by the War Department today.

Killed in Action

Sergeant Harvey M. Ledwell of Randleman

Private John S. Doty of Clemmons

Private Carl Driver of Raleigh

Died of Disease

Private George W. Allred of Franklinville

Died from Accident

T.H. Mitchell of Lillington

Wounded Severely

Sergeant Raleigh R. Wall of Henrietta

Corporal Wm. Fred Ballard of Alexia

Private Lawson T. Munday of Taylorsville

Private Robert E. Paris of Winston-Salem

Private Joseph D. Porter of North Wilkesboro

The total list shows that 171 were killed in action; 126 missing in action; 146 wounded severely; 119 died of wounds, 21 died of disease, 12 died of accident, 1 died in an aeroplane accident, 3 wounded to a degree undetermined, and 5 wounded slightly.

The Roanoke Rapids Herald, Sept. 27, 1918

Spanish Flu in Robeson, Bladen Counties, 1918

“Influenza in Robeson,” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Sept., 26, 1918

6 Cases Reported to County Health Officer, 4 of Them in Lumberton—Said to be Several Hundred Cases in Bladen

Six cases of Spanish influenza or “grippe,” have been reported to Dr. W.A. McPhaul, county health officer. Four of these cases are in Lumberton and the other two in the county. Dr. McPhaul says he is keeping close watch on the situation.

There are several hundred cases in Bladen county, according to reports reaching McPhaul.

Five More N.C. Soldiers KIA, 2 Died of Wounds, Another of Disease, 1918

“Casualty List,” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Sept., 26, 1918. Men reported killed since the last time the paper was published. The Robesonian was published on Mondays and Thursdays, and this was a Thursday. Also note that the list contains only overseas casualities, so it does not indicate the number of soldiers sick with the flu who are still in the United States.

Overseas casualities reported since the last issue of The Robesonian contained the following names from North and South Carolina:

Killed in Action

Lieut. James Britt Journey, Charlotte, N.C.

Sergeant Wallace Greech, Eure, N.C.

Sergeant Herbert L. Payne, Charlotte, N.C.

Corpl. Lorn F. Mason, Wilmington, N.C.

Pvt. Luke Rohletter, Battle Creek, N.C.

Died of Wounds

Pvt. Howard S. Archer, Anderson, S.C.

Lieut. Eliot B. Clark, Weldon, N.C.

Died of Disease

Pvt. Humbert Hook, North, S.C.

Wounded Severely

Lieut. James A. Freeman, Spartanburg, S.C.

Pvt. Carris Taylor, Pink Hill, N.C.

Pvt. Kenneth H. Moser, Graham, N.C.

Pvt. Samuel McB. Poston, Shelby, N.C.

Sgt. Percy N. Gunter, Samaria, S.C.

Lieut. Richard W. Cantwell, Wilmington N.C.

Missing in Action

Pvt. Claude S. Bagwell, Belton, S.C. (marine corps)

Pvt. Isaac I. Canady, Reidsville, N.C.

Pvt. Clifford D. Stallings, Mooresville, N.C.

Pvt. Henry T. Waters, Liberty, S.C.

Soldier Writes Newspaper: Help Me Find Out What Happened to My Mother, 1918

“With Robeson Soldiers,” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Sept., 26, 1918

Daniel Shaw Wants Address of Mother and J.C. Simmons

Daniel Shaw, C.M. 3, U.S. naval aviation forces, foreign service, writes The Robesonian to please get the address, if possible, of his mother and J.C. Simmons. He says he has written them but has not heard from them and that he will feel so much better as soon as he receives a letter from his mother. If any Robesonian reader knows the whereabouts of J.C. Simmons, The Robesonian has some important information for him. The Red Cross civilian relief committee or any one can perform a good service by locating these people and sending the address to The Robesonian. Mr. Shaw offers to send The Robesonian money for its trouble if it can locate his mother and Mrs. Simmons, but of course this paper would accept no pay from him and would be happy to be able to relieve his distress about this matter.

Don't Be Angry With Me For Having Gotten Married, 1918

“With Robeson Soldiers,” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Sept., 26, 1918

In a Beautiful Spot in France—“Disgustingly Healthy”

Mrs. W.P. Powell Jr. of Lumberton has received the following letter from her son, Mr. Ernest Prevatt, who is in France:

Dear Mother:

I am sorry that I haven’t written before now, but I have been so busy for the last few weeks that I haven’t had time to do much of anything except work. At last we are settled again and I hope to be able to write regularly, or at least as often as I ever did in normal times.

Everything is going fine with us now, and not half the beauties of France have ever been told. I think that we are in one of the most beautiful spots that I have ever seen.

I hope that everybody at home is well. I am—I am disgustingly healthy.

You will have probably heard from my wife before you will receive this and if you haven’t, why of course Odin told you that I was married. Please don’t be disappointed too much. I think I really did well in remaining single until I was 26, don’t you?

I don’t see why you didn’t come with Odius to Miami the 4^th. I am beginning to want to see the homefolks once more.

I haven’t written to Emory yet, but I intend to today. I don’t know where he is or what part of France he is in, but if he is anywhere near us I am going to try to get to see him before we go back to the States. Anyway, after the war, you can just be prepared to feed Emory and myself, with our wives, for a few days, so you needn’t be mad at us or our wives, for you know we will come anyway. You can’t hardly say that yu are not at home when we get there, and if you do we will go in and wait for you to come back.

I haven’t so very much time today as I want to write to Emery and Odius. I want you and Ferri to write to me and give me all the home news; and don’t forget to write to Emory as there is nothing in this country appreciated more than a good long letter from home and mother.

Lovingly,

Ernest

Squadron “9” Field “E”

U.S. Naval Aviation Forces, F.S.

North Bombing Squadrons

Government to Stabilize Wages During War, 1918

“Government to Stabilize Wages During War,” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Sept., 26, 1918

The government is about to adopt measures to enforce stability of wages during the war. Plans under discussion between representatives of manufacturers and labor, and officials of the war and navy departments charged with letting enormous contracts, it was learned Tuesday, provide for a nation-wide system of community or industry agreements in which both employees and employers will participate and which will be enforced for the agreement period through government priorities power or labor employment pressure.

Influenza Epidemic Spread to 26 States, Including North Carolina, and Is in Army Camps, 1918

“Epidemic of Influenza,” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Sept. 26, 1918

The Malady Has Spread Over the Country Rapidly and Has Made Its Appearance in 26 States

Spanish influenza has spread over the country to rapidly that officials of the public health service, the War and Navy departments and the Red Cross conferred in Washington yesterday on measures to help local committees in combatting the disease. Calls for assistance already have been received from several cities and in one instance, Wilmington, N.C., the public health service hospital was opened for treatment of persons suffering with the disease.

The malady has made its appearance in 26 states, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. In New England, where the disease first made its appearance, officials are considering drastic steps to curb its spread, including the prevention of public gatherings. East of the Mississippi there are few States where the disease has not been found.

New cases reported from Army camps yesterday numbered 5,324, the largest in any one day, bringing the total for all camps to 29,002 cases. The number of pneumonia cases reported among the soldiers since the outbreak of the influenza epidemic September 13 is 2,313, and the number of deaths since that date is 580.

Sad News Received of Death of Lt. James A. Moseley, 1918

From the Roanoke News, Sept 26, 1918

News has just been received by friends in Raleigh of the death in action in France of First Lieutenant James A. Moseley of Company C. 166^th Regiment, on July 26^th.

Lieut. Moseley was a native of Raleigh but has lived in New Jersey for some years past. He was 24 years of age. His father, the late James A. Moseley, was engaged in business here for some time. Materinally Lieut. Moseley was a grandson of the distinguished lawyer Hon. Edward Conigland of Halifax County.

Lieut. Moseley is survived by his mother, no residing at Glen Ridge, N.J. Her many friends in North Carolina will here of her great loss with sincere regret.—News and Observer

Lieut. Moseley is a son of the former Miss Annie Conigland who was at one time a resident of Weldon and is pleasantly remembered by some of our citizens.

New Enemy Begins Its Attack, At Home and Abroad, 1918

 “Spanish Influenza and Its Treatment,” from the Mount Airy News, September 26, 1918

Discussing the outbreak of Spanish Influenza in this country, Surgeon General Blue says:

“The disease is characterized by sudden onset. People are stricken on the streets, while at work in factories, shipyards, offices, or elsewhere. First there is a chill, then fever with temperature from 101 to 103, headache, backache, reddening and running of the eyes, pains and aches all over the body and general prostration. Persons so attacked should go to their homes at once, get to bed without delay and immediately call a physician.

“Treatment under direction of the physician is simple but important consisting principally of rest in bed, fresh air, abundant food, with Dover’s Powder for the relief of pain. Every case with a fever should be regarded as serious and kept in bed at least until temperature becomes normal. 

Convalescence requires careful management to avoid serious complications, such as bronchial pneumonia, which not infrequently may have fatal termination. During the present outbreak in foreign countries the salts of quinine and aspirin have been most generally used during the acute attack, the aspirin apparently with much success in the relief of symptoms.”

Because the last epidemic of influenza occurred more than 25 years ago, physicians who began to practice medicine since 1892 have not had personal experience in handling a situation now spreading throughout a considerable part of the foreign world and already appearing to some extent in the United States. For that reason Dr. Blue is issuing a special bulletin for all medical men who send for it.

Letters Home from William Leftwich at Camp Jackson, Claude Needham in France, 1918

Letter from Wm. B. Leftwich at Camp Jackson to his father, N.R. Leftwich of Ladonia, N.C.

Sept. 16^th, 1918

My dear Parents

Your welcome letter of 13^th just received and I was very glad indeed to hear from you.

I am well and liking fine, there is no reason we should not like, for Uncle Sam has the best paid, and supplied army in the world. Our rations are extra good and well prepared.

Dewitt Sparger is one of the cooks for our Battery.

Camp Jackson is situated about six miles North West of Columbia, S.C. and is one of the largest and best camps in the South, extending nearly two miles in length and varying in bredth from one-half to one and one half miles. Boys are trained here for nearly every branch of the service. There is a small aviation field here.

The Y.M.C.A. is doing wonderful work here and in all camps. They furnish nearly all comforts we need that are not issued by the Government, such as stationery, books and most any kind of amusement we want. If the home folks knew how much real value they were to the boys, the funds would be larger, I’m sure.

The boys have to stand a very rigid examination physically and mentally before they are sent to the Artillery, and when they find one a little weak or slow they send him back to the Infantry or “The dough boys” as we call them.

Hoping to hear from you soon and often, I close

Your loving son,

Pvt. Wm. B. Leftwich

-=-

Letter from Claude E. Needham to his wife who lives near Pilot Mountain

Somewhere in France

Dear Wife

Will take great pleasure in writing you this afternoon.

I am feeling fine having plenty to eat and a good place to sleep.

This is a beautiful country but is much different from ours. Two of the hardest things for me to understand is the money and language. I wish I could speak French. I want you to write me all the news and tell me how all my people are getting along.

I don’t think I will have to stay over long so enjoy yourself and trouble as little as you can.

Will close hoping this will find you all well.

Your husband,

Claude E. Needham